Tensions mounted near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday as hundreds of activists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) clashed with police during a protest over the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh.
Carrying saffron flags and chanting slogans, the protesters broke through multiple police barricades, forcing security personnel to struggle to contain the crowd in the high-security diplomatic zone, according to Indian media, including PTI and ANI.
Police had earlier stepped up security in the area in anticipation of the demonstration announced by Hindu right-wing groups, citing concerns over the death of a Hindu youth in a lynch-mob attack in Bangladesh.
Besides, hundreds of protesters attempted to march towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata but were stopped by police.
The march, titled ‘Hindu Hunkar Padayatra’, was organised under the banner of Bongiyo Hindu Jagaran, reports PTI.
The procession began from Sealdah and was heading towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission when police intercepted it in the Beckbagan area.
Police set up barricades to prevent the protesters from advancing, witnesses said.
A large contingent of police personnel was deployed in and around the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission office to maintain law and order amid the protest.
Bangladesh voices concern to India over attacks on missions
Dipu Chandra Das, 28, a garment worker, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district December 18 and his body was later set on fire.
Bangladesh on Tuesday expressed grave concern to the government of India over incidents involving extremist elements, including disturbances outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the official residence in New Delhi on December 20, as well as vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri on December 22.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma and expressed deep concern over violent protests staged outside the premises of the different Diplomatic Missions of Bangladesh in India.
Bangladesh condemned such acts of premeditated violence or intimidation against diplomatic establishments, which not only endanger the safety of diplomatic personnel but also undermine the principles of mutual respect and values of peace and tolerance.
The government of Bangladesh called upon the government of India to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents, to take all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such acts and to ensure safety and security of Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions and related facilities in India.
Russia wants Dhaka to reduce tensions domestically, also with India
The government of Bangladesh expects the government of India to immediately take appropriate steps in accordance with its international and diplomatic obligations to safeguard the dignity and security of diplomatic personnel and establishments, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.